Was wondering if the brown/orange Prestone (extended life?) can be used instead of MB coolant in the 300SD turbo diesel engine.
It is silicate and phosphate free.
Is the special MB blend that critical ?
If I can go this route, I'll probably change the coolant more frequently, maybe every season.
The MB dealer shop, an hour away, tells me they don't use the MB coolant unless customer requests it. They use a generic substitute which they say does the same thing.
Is this common practice ?

This is not my area of specialty, however, over the years I have read *a lot* about the wisdom of using MB coolant due to the various use of metals in the M-B engine that get exposed to coolant.

I believe that the amount of money in question is insignificant between Prestone, Peak, etc. and M-B. My cars are M-B and I use M-B coolant. I have been served quite well with this approach and have suffered no coolant-related troubles in a combined 339,000 mi.

Good luck-

Thanks for your input.
I'm sticking with the MB coolant.
You're right about the pricing issue, especially considering the engines involved.
Thanks again.

The newer engines w/high aluminum content are the ones that need M.B. coolant. The OM617 engines are cast iron!! M.B. coolant is made in the USA by Ashland oil of Ky.

[This message has been edited by M.B.DOC (edited 07-30-1999).]

Very interesting on the Ashland Oil revelation. Thanks !!!